Seroprevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Leptospirosis in High-Risk Occupational Groups in the State of Gujarat as Determined by IgM ELISA and MAT Test: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Leptospirosis is a reemerging zoonosis affecting humans and animals worldwide in tropical and subtropical countries. The study was conducted to estimate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in high-risk occupational groups (cattle farm workers, poultry farm workers, and slaughterhouse workers) in the state of Gujarat and to determine related risk factors for leptospirosis. Methods: Using an interview-guided questionnaire, a cross-sectional study was conducted involving 123 people in high-risk occupational groups (namely, cattle farm workers, poultry farm workers, and slaughterhouse workers) from five districts of the state of Gujarat, India. The participants' serum samples were screened for antileptospiral antibodies by using Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) followed by a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The Chi-square (χ2) test and odds ratio were calculated using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) to ascertain the associated risk factors. Results: Regarding demographic information, this study included 104 men and 19 women in high-risk occupational groups. The overall seroprevalence of antileptospiral antibodies in these high-risk workers was 46.3%. The seroprevalence was the highest among poultry farm workers (56.6%), followed by cattle farm workers (54.5%) and slaughterhouse workers (25.6%). The MAT in combination with IgM is adequate for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, but we have also employed IgG ELISA to understand the chronic infection in these high-risk occupational groups as exposure was both past and present. Tests were conducted for antibodies against various Leptospira serovars in the major serogroups; frequent serovars included Hurstbridge, Panama, Javanica, Tarassovi, Copenhageni, Pomona, and Weaveri, among others. The significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with leptospirosis in these high-risk occupations reported to be living in field areas, the presence of livestock in the neighborhood, working in slaughterhouses, drinking water from natural water resources, contact with animals such as dogs or livestock, and wounds during occupational practice. Conclusion: Considering the high seroprevalence of leptospirosis, high-risk occupational groups should be regularly screened for potential development of the fatal disease. Hurstbridge was found to be the most prevalent serovar in the studied population, followed by Panama, Javanica, and Tarassovi.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Among Slaughterhouse Workers in Sana'a and Dhamar Cities-Yemen: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral infection spread through tick bites or contact with secretions from infected animals or humans, posing a risk to slaughterhouse workers. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of slaughterhouse workers in Yemen towards CCHF. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted on 173 adults working at slaughterhouses in Sana'a and Dhamar cities, Yemen using a multi-stage sampling. The questionnaire used in the study was a reliable survey instrument (with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.71) employed for the purpose of data collection. The questionnaire encompassed three distinct sections: 1)- demographic inquiries pertaining to age, gender, marital status, level of education, and occupation; 2)- knowledge-based inquiries consisting of 27 items;3)- the attitude section consisted of 11 questions. After completing the questionnaire, the data were analyzed by SPSS version 24, using percentages, chi-square test, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age of the participants was 30.6 years with a SD of 11.2 years, with 84.4% male and 15.6% female. Most slaughterhouse workers were butchers (78.6%) and some were shepherds (21.4%). The participants had poor knowledge (86.7%) and attitude (72.3%) towards CCHF. There exists a noteworthy association between the knowledge scores and the gender, education level, and occupation (P=0.035, P=0.039, P=0.001). A significant positive correlation was identified between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.715, P<0.001). Conclusion: The majority of respondents had poor knowledge of CCHF. Educational programs are essential for increasing community awareness, with involvement of technical experts crucial for disseminating information on preventing and managing CCHF.

Prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV among livestock merchants and slaughterhouse workers in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Background: Most studies on viral infections among livestock handlers have focused on occupational exposure from inadvertent contact with infected animals. Consequently, little emphasis is given to the effect of their lifestyle on the acquisition of other blood-borne viruses. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and assess risk factors for HIV, HBV and HCV infections among livestock handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 265 livestock handlers between October 2016 to April 2017 in Ibadan. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV and HCV; and surface antigen to HBV using ELISA. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on risk factors associated with the transmission of these viruses. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-square test and logistic regression to determine the association between risk factors and predictors of infection (p < 0.05). Results: Of 265 participants, 11 (4.2%), 29 (10.9%) and 13 (4.9%) individuals tested positive for HIV, HBV and HCV infections respectively. Two (0.8%) of the participants were coinfected with HIV and HBV while 1(0.4%) was coinfected with both HBV and HCV. Individuals who travelled frequently in the course of Livestock trades had a higher rate of HIV infection. Conclusions: A high Infection with HIV, HBV and HCV is common among the study participants. There is a need for continued surveillance and awareness creation on preventive measures against these viruses.

Leptospirosis seroprevalence and risk factors among slaughterhouse workers in Burkina Faso.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of leptospirosis among slaughterhouse workers in Burkina Faso. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of slaughterhouse workers from Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso between March and April 2021. Blood was collected by venipuncture and serum samples were tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microscopic agglutination test. Questionnaires were used to collect information from these workers on sociodemographic characteristics, work activities, knowledge of zoonosis, and risky behaviors. Results: Of the 172 subjects investigated, 28 (16.28%) were found seropositive for leptospirosis using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or microscopic agglutination test. The main Leptospira infecting serogroup were Mini, Autumnalis, Canicola, Copenhageni, L. mayottensis (ND), Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pyrogenes/Tarassovi (cross reaction), Panama, and Ballum. Risk factors according to multivariate analysis, included residence (P = 0.02), working at the bleeding station (P = 0.03), contact with feces and urine (P = 0.04), and the practice of agriculture outside the slaughterhouse (P = 0.05). Conclusion: These findings indicate that a significant proportion of slaughterhouse workers are being exposed to pathogenic Leptospira. Public-health interventions against leptospirosis will need to target this occupational group. Proper personal protective equipment and information about the disease should be disseminated among slaughterhouses.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Q fever infection in slaughterhouse workers in Fars province, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Q fever is a main occupational zoonotic disease. Slaughterhouse is one of the most remarkable ways of transmitting the infection from livestock to humans. This study aimed to survey the prevalence of Q fever in slaughterhouse workers in Fars province, Iran, for the first time. METHODS: Ninety serum samples were collected from slaughterhouse workers and tested to detect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Coxiella burnetii using ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). PCR was also applied to identify C. burnetii DNA in the blood samples. RESULTS: Q fever seroprevalence was found at 26.7% in ELISA, showing recent infection. This result indicates that Q fever seroprevalence is relatively high in the Fars region. IFA showed a high seroprevalence of total IgG antibodies at 1:64 titer (73.3%) and relatively high IgG at 1:256 titer (40%) against C. burnetii. 2.2% of the workers were recognized as having probable acute Q fever. The IgG II prevalence at 1:64 and 1:256 titers was, respectively, 63.3% and 24.4% positive. The IgG I prevalence at 1:64 and 1:256 titers was also found 33.3% and 22.2% positive, respectively. Molecular prevalence of Q fever was also 8.9%. A significant relationship was found between IgG I seropositivity and longer work experience and employing other livestock-related jobs (animal husbandry and butchery) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As such, the high seroprevalence of Q fever among abattoir workers highlights the importance of further comprehensive epidemiological studies, occupational screening programs, and preventive measures for Q fever in high-risk groups. This also warns animal health care organizations about the risk of Q fever infection in livestock in this region.

Exposure of South African Abattoir Workers to Coxiella burnetii.

Abattoir workers may contract Q fever by inhalation of Coxiella burnetii bacteria in aerosols generated by slaughtering livestock, or in contaminated dust. We estimated the seroprevalence of C. burnetii and examined the associated factors in a survey of South African abattoir workers. Coxiella burnetii seropositivity was determined by detection of IgG antibodies against C. burnetii phase II antigen. Logistic regression, adjusted for clustering and sampling fraction, was employed to analyze risk factors associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. Among 382 workers from 16 facilities, the overall seroprevalence was 33% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28-38%) and ranged from 8% to 62% at the facility level. Prolonged contact with carcasses or meat products (odds ratio (OR): 4.6, 95% CI: 1.51-14.41) and prior abattoir or butchery work experience (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.13-3.17) were associated with C. burnetii seropositivity. In contrast, increasing age and livestock ownership were inversely associated. Precautions to protect abattoir personnel from Q fever are discussed.

Prediction of slaughterhouse workers' RULA scores and knife edge using low-cost inertial measurement sensor units and machine learning algorithms.

The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) has been a concern in the meat-processing industry, owing to the manual nature of the work and the high upper-limb and neck exposure to movements that can lead to WRMSD. The ability to perform an accurate and fast assessment of WRMSDs remains a challenge in industrial environments. Most assessment methodologies rely on standard survey-based methods, which are time- and labor-intensive. In this paper, we present an application of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure human activity, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to perform task classification and ergonomic assessments in workplace settings. We present the results obtained by using simple low-cost IMUs worn on slaughterhouse worker wrists to capture information on their movements. We describe the use of this information to detect the risk factors of the wrists/hands that can lead to WRMSDs. The results indicate that by using low-cost IMU-based sensors on the wrists of slaughterhouse workers, we can accurately classify the sharpness of the knife and predict the worker RULA score.

Hepatitis E virus in professionally exposed: A reason for concern?

The zoonotic risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is well established. The HEV seroprevalence rates vary according to geographical region, assays used, and study cohorts. HEV infection is still underdiagnosed, implying the need to evaluate the disease's burden in the general population and specific risk groups, such as professionally exposed. Close contact with various animal reservoirs such as pigs, rabbits, sheep, dogs, wild boars, and deer has been associated with higher anti-HEV seroprevalence as a part of occupational exposure. While exact transmission routes remain to be determined, some general preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, the usage of personal protective equipment, and the thermal processing of food before consumption should be followed. A "One-Health" multisectoral approach should be implemented to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes, recognizing the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment, in which a vaccine against the zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 and swine vaccination should be considered as a possible public health measure. This opinion review comprehensively addresses the HEV burden of professional exposure for butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, and forestry workers delineates the current limits of protective work measures, and tackles future directions.

Description and determinants of the faecal resistome and microbiome of farmers and slaughterhouse workers: A metagenome-wide cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: By studying the entire human faecal resistome and associated microbiome, the diversity and abundance of faecal antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can be comprehensively characterized. Prior culture-based studies have shown associations between occupational exposure to livestock and carriage of specific antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Using shotgun metagenomics, the present study investigated 194 faecal resistomes and bacteriomes from humans occupationally exposed to ARGs in livestock (i.e. pig and poultry farmers, employees and family members and pig slaughterhouse workers) and a control population (Lifelines cohort) in the Netherlands. In addition, we sought to identify determinants for the human resistome and bacteriome composition by applying a combination of multivariate (NMDS, PERMANOVA, SIMPER and DESeq2 analysis) and multivariable regression analysis techniques. RESULTS: Pig slaughterhouse workers and pig farmers carried higher total ARG abundances in their stools compared to broiler farmers and control subjects. Tetracycline, ß-lactam and macrolide resistance gene clusters dominated the resistome of all studied groups. No significant resistome alpha diversity differences were found among the four populations. However, the resistome beta diversity showed a separation of the mean resistome composition of pig and pork exposed workers from broiler farmers and controls, independent of their antimicrobial use. We demonstrated differences in resistome composition between slaughter line positions, pig versus poultry exposed workers, as well as differences between farmers and employees versus family members. In addition, we found a significant correlation between the bacteriome and resistome, and significant differences in the bacteriome composition between and within the studied subpopulations. Finally, an in-depth analysis of pig and poultry farms - of which also farm livestock resistomes were analysed - showed positive associations between the number of on-farm working hours and human faecal AMR loads. CONCLUSION: We found that the total normalized faecal ARG carriage was larger in persons working in the Dutch pork production chain compared to poultry farmers and controls. Additionally, we showed significant differences in resistome and bacteriome composition of pig and pork exposed workers compared to a control group, as well as within-population (farms, slaughterhouse) compositional differences. The number of on-farm working hours and the farm type (pig or broiler) that persons live or work on are determinants for the human faecal resistome. Overall, our results may suggest direct or indirect livestock contact as a determinant for human ARG carriage. Future studies should further focus on the connection between the human and livestock resistome (i.e. transmission routes) to substantiate the evidence for livestock-associated resistome acquisition.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughter pigs; a neglected public health risk, western Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water or urine of infected animals. In pigs the disease is characterized by abortion, still births and weak piglets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May to July 2018 to estimate the sero-prevalence of leptospirosis and factors associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs. A questionnaire was used to collect information on animal demographics. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 8 serovars. Sera were considered positive for sero-reactivity at a MAT titre ≥1:40 against at least one serovar. Chi-square tests were used to measure the strength of association between the MAT test result and exploratory variables. RESULTS: A total of 252 pig serum samples from seven slaughterhouses were tested for Leptospira antibodies by MAT. Of the 252 pigs sampled, 88.8% (244/252) were indigenous breeds; 55.6% (140/252) were female and 88.7% (220/252) were reared in extensive production systems. Eighty-three (32.9%; 83/252) sera samples tested positive on MAT against at least one serovar. Of the 8 serovars, the highest prevalence was recorded for serovar Lora 21.4% followed by Kenya 5.2%, Sokoine 3.6% and Grippotyphosa at 3.2%. Risk factors for leptospirosis seropositivity in pigs were: originating from farms with other types of livestock (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0-4.5) and mature pigs (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.3). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of leptospirosis positive pigs at slaughter in a small-holder livestock keeping region of the Lake Victoria basin. The potential for cross species transmission of pathogenic serovars is highlighted as well as the potential for occupational exposure to slaughterhouse personnel. Improvements in husbandry practices (confinement and rodent control) and public health education among slaughterhouse workers and other high-risk groups is recommended.

Hepatitis in slaughterhouse workers.

Slaughterhouse workers (SHW) are at increased risk of hepatitis which can occur due to different organisms and should be investigated for viral, bacterial, and parasitic organisms. Slaughter house personnel including butchers are at a higher risk of infections from cuts and blood-letting, with the possible risk of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens to their colleagues. The objective of this review is to evaluate the common etiologies of hepatitis in SHW which will assist in the assessment of these patients presenting with transaminitis. Types of Microorganisms causing hepatitis with their reservoirs, routes of transmission, laboratory diagnosis, clinical features, treatment options and preventive strategies are included in this review. Proper investigation and awareness is of utmost importance as it causes significant financial constraints derived from workers health cost and from livestock production losses when the disease is confirmed. The work up is essential because infected workers might be a source of infections to other colleagues, family and the consumers.

Serosurveillance of Brucella antibody in food animals and role of slaughterhouse workers in spread of Brucella infection in Southeast Nigeria.

AIM: The study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella antibody in slaughter cattle and goats; and the role of slaughterhouse workers (SHWs) in spread of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations in Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rose Bengal plate test was used to screen for Brucella antibody in 484 cattle and 340 goats slaughtered for human consumption in the state. Structured and pretested questionnaire was used to elicit information from randomly selected SHWs, on socioeconomic characteristics, awareness of brucellosis and involvement in practices that aid dissemination of Brucella infection during slaughterhouse operations. RESULTS: Suspected seroprevalence of 2.5% and 4.1% were recorded for Brucella antibody in cattle and goats respectively. There was poor awareness of brucellosis (32.1%) among the workers surveyed. Slaughterhouse practices that aid acquisition or spread of Brucella infection and percentage of SHWs engaged in the practices are: non-use of personal protective clothing during slaughterhouse operations (70.8%), discharge of eviscerated fetuses or pregnant uterine contents by open-air dump method of refuse disposal (64.9%) and illegal sell of eviscerated fetuses or gravid uterine contents for human consumption (59.9%) or preparation of dog food (71.5%). CONCLUSION: The 4.1% suspected seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in goats represents 128% increase from 1.8% seroprevalence earlier reported in the same species and study area in 2009. Significant amounts of Brucella antibody was detected in the food animals screened. Slaughterhouse workers played significant roles in spread of Brucella infection by their involvement in risk practices and behaviours that facilitate pathogen transmission. Therefore, massive awareness campaign and coordinated brucellosis control program in Enugu State are imperative to forestall the zoonotic and economic consequences associated with brucellosis.

Seroepidemiology and risk factors of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among butchers and slaughterhouse workers in southeastern Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonotic disease. Butchers and slaughterhouse workers are considered to be high risk occupational groups for the disease. Sistan and Baluchistan province is an area in southeastern Iran which is endemic for CCHF, and the most confirmed cases of the disease are reported from this province. The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalence of CCHF and risk factors for seropositivity among them in Sistan and Baluchistan province in 2011. METHODS: Questionnaire data and blood sample collection were carried out for each participant and the sera samples were sent to the national reference laboratory for ELISA IgG testing. RESULTS: In this study, the seroprevalence of CCHF among 190 butchers and slaughterhouse workers from 11 counties was 16.49%. 79% of participants were aware that they were at risk of zoonosis and 39.7% did not use any personal protective equipment during their work. Of 31 CCHF IgG positive individuals in this study, eleven individuals had a previous record of CCHF infection in 57 months prior to the study. CONCLUSIONS: High seroprevalence of CCHF among butchers and slaughterhouse workers and minimal use of personal protective equipment's during daily work indicates the need for training courses, for these groups to increase their knowledge, attitude and practice with respect to zoonosis.

Seroprevalence of Campylobacter-Specific Antibodies in two German Duck Farms - A Prospective Follow-Up Study.

Several studies have shown that about 60-100% of farmed ducks are colonized by Campylobacter species. Because of this, a higher risk of campylobacteriosis among duck farm workers can be assumed. To estimate the risk of Campylobacter infections in duck farm workers, we investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in ducks of two duck farms and the seroprevalence of anti-Campylobacter antibodies (IgA and IgG) in two cohorts of workers. The first cohort consisted of high-exposed stable workers and slaughterers, which was compared to a second cohort of non-/low-exposed persons. Duck caecal swabs and serum samples were collected in 2004, 2007, and 2010. The colonization rate in the examined ducks was found to be 80-90%. The seroprevalence of anti-Campylobacter IgA and IgG antibodies among the non-exposed cohort was found to be 0.00% in all 3 years. In contrast, the exposed cohort demonstrated an IgA seroprevalence of 4.17% in 2004, 5.71% in 2007, and 0.00% in 2010 and an IgG seroprevalence of 8.33% in 2004, 0.00% in 2007, and 4.29% in 2010. In conclusion, in 2004, we observed a significantly higher anti-Campylobacter antibody seroprevalence in the exposed cohort followed by a steady reduction in 2007 and 2010 under occupational health and safety measures.

Occupational hazards among the abattoir workers associated with noncompliance to the meat processing and waste disposal laws in Malaysia.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the occupational hazards among the abattoir workers associated with noncompliance to the meat processing and waste disposal laws in Terengganu State, Malaysia. Occupational hazards are the major source of morbidity and mortality among the animal workers due to exposure to many hazardous situations in their daily practices. Occupational infections mostly contracted by abattoir workers could be caused by iatrogenic or transmissible agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and the toxins produced by these organisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The methodology was based on a cross-sectional survey using cluster sampling technique in the four districts of Terengganu State, Malaysia. One hundred and twenty-one abattoir workers from five abattoirs were assessed using a validated structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviation of occupational hazards scores of the workers were 2.32 (2.721). Physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, musculoskeletal, and ergonomics hazards were the major findings of this study. However, the highest prevalence of occupational hazards identified among the workers was injury by sharp equipment such as a knife (20.0%), noise exposure (17.0%), and due to offensive odor within the abattoir premises (12.0%). CONCLUSION: The major occupational hazards encountered by the workers in the study area were physical, chemical, biological, psychosocial, musculoskeletal, and ergonomics hazards. To ensure proper control of occupational health hazards among the abattoir workers, standard design and good environmental hygiene must be taken into consideration all the time. Exposure control plan, which includes risk identification, risk characterization, assessment of workers at risk, risk control, workers' education/training, and implementation of safe work procedures, should be implemented by the government and all the existing laws governing the abattoir operation in the country should be enforced.

Serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii phase II antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the presence of antibodies against phase II among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran. METHODS: The antibody titers of the serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay using phase II Coxiella burnetii as the antigen [kit (Virion\Serion, Wurzburg, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol]. RESULTS: The positive rate of IgG antibody was 68% in the slaughterhouse workers. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that slaughterhouse workers in Kerman area have a higher risk of infection and should consider potential infection with Coxiella burnetii.

Laceration injuries and infections among workers in the poultry processing and pork meatpacking industries.

BACKGROUND: Workers in poultry processing and pork meatpacking have high rates of acute injuries and chronic disease among. The presence of zoonotic pathogens in these workplaces may interact with injury. METHODS: We investigated incidence of worker injuries, lacerations, and infections reported by 10 companies from 2004 to 2009 and calculated annual incidence rates by industry and company along with temporal trends and job-related risk factors. RESULTS: Average annual mean total injury rates were 6.4 per 100 workers (poultry) and 13.2 per 100 workers (pork). Average annual mean rates for lacerations were 1.8 per 100 workers (poultry) and 1.9 per 100 (pork). Sharp tools and animal products were most frequently reported as sources for lacerations. Animal products were most frequently reported as sources of infected lacerations. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that these industries continue to have high injury rates. The results also suggest that zoonotic pathogens may be preventable health and safety risks.

Serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii phase II antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the presence of antibodies against phase II among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The antibody titers of the serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay using phase II Coxiella burnetii as the antigen [kit (Virion\Serion, Wurzburg, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol].</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The positive rate of IgG antibody was 68% in the slaughterhouse workers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Our findings suggest that slaughterhouse workers in Kerman area have a higher risk of infection and should consider potential infection with Coxiella burnetii.</p>

Serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii phase II antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran

Objective: To determine the presence of antibodies against phase II among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran.Methods:sorbent assay using phase II Coxiella burnetii as the antigen [kit (Virion\Serion, Wurzburg, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s protocol].Results:The antibody titers of the serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immuno Conclusions: Our findings suggest that slaughterhouse workers in Kerman area have a higher risk of infection and should consider potential infection with Coxiella burnetii. The positive rate of IgG antibody was 68% in the slaughterhouse workers.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a neurocisticercosis en trabajadores del camal Conchucos, El Agustino, Perú / Prevalence and risk factors related to neurocysticercosis in workers of camal Conchucos, Perú

Introducción: la neurocisticercosis es una de las formas más comunes de enfermedad parasitaria del sistema nervioso central en el Perú. Objetivos: determinar la prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a neurocisticercosis en trabajadores de un camal. Material y Métodos: se efectuó un estudio de tipo transversal en 60 trabajadores de un camal de la capital del Perú; a los cuales se les realizó una evaluación clínica, epidemiológica y serológica (EITB), realizándose una tomografía axial computarizada a los EITB positivos. Para establecer el diagnóstico de neurocisticercosis se utilizó los criterios propuestos por Del Bruto y col. en 1996. Para determinar la prevalencia y a su vez la asociación con los factores de riesgo se empleó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 10.0. Resultados: en la población estudiada la prevalencia de neurocisticercosis fue 1,7% y la seroprevalencia de cisticercosis del 15%. Los inadecuados hábitos higiénicos y la eliminación inadecuada de excretas fueron los factores de riesgo con mayor asociación presentando un OR de 11,6 y 2,14 respectivamente. Conclusiones: la prevalencia de neurocisticercosis para la población estudiada (1,7%) fue menor que la prevalencia nacional encontrada en autopsias de adultos (3,1%). La seroprevalencia encontrada (15%), es bastante similar a las áreas endémicas del Perú y de países como México (10,8%), Ecuador (21,4%) y Colombia (19,6%). El desconocimiento y la falta de información de estas personas sobre los mecanismos de transmisión de la neurocisticercosis explicarían la asociación con los factores de riesgo mencionados.

Introducction: neurocysticercosis is the most common parasitic disease of the Central Nervous System in Perú; it is hyperendemic in the Highlands and also in some areas of the Coast and Jungle. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and risk factors related to neurocysticercosis in workers of a slaughterhouse in an impoverished area of Lima. Materials and methods: this is a transversal study in 60 workers of a slaughterhouse in the capital of Perú; the workers underwent a clinical, epidemiological and serological (EITB) evaluation; an axial computer tomography was obtained from those who were EITB positive. The O.H Del Brutto (1996) neurocysticercosis diagnostic criteria were used. The prevalence of neurocysticercosis and its association with risk factors were calculated with the SPSS statistical package, v 10.0. Results: the prevalence of neurocysticercosis in our study was 1.7% and the cysticercosis seroprevalence was 15%. Among the risk factors, those which had a greater association with EITB positive patients were: inadequate hygienic habits and lack of sewage services; the ORs were 11.6 and 2.14 respectively. Conclusions: the prevalence of neurocysticercosis (1.7%) in our study was less than that found in autopsies of Peruvian adults (3.1%). The seroprevalence found (15%) is quite similar to that found in endemic areas of Perú and in countries like Mexico (10.8%), Ecuador (21.4%) and Colombia (19.6%). The lack of knowledge of these people on the mechanisms of neurocysticercosis transmission and of means for its prevention may explain the association with the risk factors mentioned.